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How police linked five to the murder of Richard Otieno

(From left) Clinton Simantu alias Muiru, Jorim Ngong’a Surai ,Peter Mwaniki ,Geoffrey Ndung'u Willy and John Ndegwa Wanjiku are presented in court on February 3, 2025.

Photo credit: BRET SANYA/MTAA WANGU

By  BRET SANYA

Correspondent

Mtaa Wangu

In November last year, the late Richard Otieno a.k.a Molo president was attacked by two unknown assailants, an event that sparked deep fear for his life.

This was revealed by lawyer of the deceased, Rosalinda Wamaitha. Ms Wamaitha says this matter was reported to the police.  

In an affidavit presented in court, the investigating officer, Patrick Wachira corroborated the sentiments of the lawyer.

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Mr Wachira noted that the two people who had previously been arrested and charged with a case of assault and causing bodily harm to the deceased were Geoffrey Ndung’u Willy and John Ndegwa Wanjiku. The two had been placed in one-year probation.

The duo are among five suspects who are being held by police in connection to the murder of Richard Otieno who was killed on January 18, in Elburgon.

The other three, Clinton Simantu alias Muiru, Jorim Ngong’a Surai and Peter Mwaniki were apprehended in Molo Town.

“Geoffrey Ndung’u Willy and John Ndegwa Wanjiku were also apprehended while in their hideouts in Molo and Elburgon towns and they were placed under lawful custody” read part of the court document.  

The investigating officer went ahead and painted a picture of how the deceased lived in fear due to continued threats, stalking and intimidation perpetrated by Geoffrey Ndung’u Willy and John Ndegwa Wanjiku.

Furthermore, through the affidavit, Mtaa Wangu has established how the police managed to link the suspects to the crime.

“The respondents were geo located at the same location together with the victim the day he was attacked and murdered in Elburgon town thereafter and the respondents were paid by others not before this court for their hit man job which was shared as proceeds of crime with one of the respondents’ numbers registered with another identity card,” read part of the affidavit.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigation were seeking leave to detain the suspects for a period of thirty days to enable the conclusion of the investigation.

However Principal Magistrate Kipkurui Kibellion ordered the respondents to be detained for a period of 21 days to enable the conclusion of the investigation.

The matter shall be mentioned for further direction on 24 February.